Multocida Infection Research Articles

Pasteurella multocida Meningitis in infancy-Reply

In Reply .—We regret our oversight in not having cited the report of Thompson et al in our article. Our literature review, done shortly before our manuscript was submitted in May 1985, failed to uncover this current report. The thrust of our report appears to coincide with Dr Thompson's hypothesis that nontraumatic animal contact may predispose infants to invasive P multocida infection. While Dr Thompson's report speculated as to the means of infant exposure, our report suggested that direct mucous membrane contact during facial licking was a probable means of spread and should therefore be avoided.

Bacteriological and serological studies on Pasteurella multocida infection in rabbits.

Bacteriological and serological examinations were made on Pasteurella multocida infection in two rabbit-breeding colonies. The organism was localized in the paranasal sinuses of 53 of 54 infected rabbits, excreting to the external nares of 49 rabbits. It was also isolated from the trachea and middle and inner ear of half of the infected animals and occasionally from the conjunctiva, lung and heart. The infection rate of the organism was very low (4.3%) in sucklings younger than a month old, but increased with advancing age, reaching nearly 100% in adults more than five months of age. A rapid increase of the infection rate was observed at two to three months of age. Serum antibody against somatic antigen of P. multocida was demonstrated in infected rabbits by use of the tube agglutination test, showing a close correlation with isolation of the organism in adults. Sucklings younger than one month of age from infected dams were significantly resistant to experimental nasal infection of P. multocida.

The pharmacokinetics of chlortetracycline orally administered to turkeys: influence of citric acid and Pasteurella multocida infection.

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe the absorption and disposition of chlortetracyline (CTC) in the healthy and diseased (fowl cholera) turkey. The CTC was given (with and without citric acid) as an oral (15 mg/kg) or i.v. (1 mg/kg) dose. When minerals (0.3 g/L Ca2+, 0.1 g/L Mg2+) were dissolved in the bird's drinking water, the model indicated that the addition of citric acid (mass ratio of 10 citrate: 1 CTC) increased the fraction of dose absorbed from 0.06 to 0.16; once absorbed, the fractions of drug eliminated by renal excretion, biliary secretion, and chemical decomposition were 50, 46, and 4%, respectively. The presence of fowl cholera appeared to increase plasma levels by increasing the intestinal permeability and lowering the hepatic and/or renal clearance.

Pasteurella multocida Infections

Pasteurella multocida, a small, gram-negative coccobacillus , is part of the normal oral flora of many animals, including the dog and cat. P. multocida is the etiologic agent in a variety of infectious disease syndromes. We have reported 34 cases of infection caused by P. multocida and have reviewed the English literature. P. multocida infections may be divided into three broad groups: 1. Infections resulting from animal bites and scratches : The most common infections caused by P. multocida are local wound infections following animal bites or scratches . Cats are the source of infection in 60 to 80% of cases and dogs in the great majority of the remainder. Local infections are characterized by the rapid appearance of erythema, warmth, tenderness, and frequently purulent drainage. The most common local complications are abscess formation and tenosynovitis. Serious local complications include septic arthritis proximal to bites or scratches , osteomyelitis resulting from direct inoculation or extension of cellulitis, and the combination of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, most commonly involving a finger or hand after a cat bite. 2. Isolation of P. multocida from the respiratory tract: The isolation of P. multocida from the respiratory tract must be interpreted differently than its isolation from other systemic sites. Most commonly P. multocida found in the respiratory tract is a commensal organism in patients with underlying pulmonary disease, but serious respiratory tract infections including pneumonia, empyema, and lung abscesses may develop. Most patients with respiratory tract colonization or infection have a history of animal exposure. 3. Other systemic infections: P. multocida is recognized as a pathogen in a variety of systemic infections including bacteremia, meningitis, brain abscess, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and intra-abdominal abscess. P. multocida often acts as an opportunistic pathogen with a predilection for causing bacteremia in patients with liver dysfunction, septic arthritis in damaged joints, meningitis in the very young or elderly, and pulmonary colonization or invasion in patients with underlying respiratory tract abnormalities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Immunohistology of Malignant Rabbit Fibroma Virus—a Comparative Study With Rabbit Myxoma Virus<xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2">2</xref><xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN3">3</xref>

Malignant rabbit fibroma virus (MV) causes a syndrome that consists of disseminated malignant tumors and immunosuppression complicated by severe Pasteurella multocida infection and death. Tissues from rabbits given MV and rabbit myxoma virus were examined by direct immunofluorescence with the use of antibody against virus antigens. Primary and metastatic tumors caused by MV and rabbit myxoma virus were composed of soft tissue cells containing virus antigens. Skin appendages and epidermis overlying the respective tumors showed scant MV but abundant myxoma virus antigen. Both viruses were present systemically in the reticuloendothelial system. Epithelial cells from the liver, kidney, and lung of myxoma virus-infected rabbits contained virus, whereas in MV tumor-bearing rabbits, these cells were uninvolved. However, nasal mucosal and conjunctival epithelia, the locations of Pasteurella infection, showed squamous metaplasia and contained large amounts of MV and myxoma antigens. By analogy to other respiratory tract pathogens, these epithelial changes were probably etiologically significant for development of pasteurellosis in rabbits bearing virus-induced tumors. Thus by immunopathologic as well as clinical examination, MV produces a syndrome distinct from that seen with rabbit myxoma virus. MV induced severe immunosuppression despite T-lymphocyte hyperplasia in the lymphoid tissues observed. The combination of a systemic virus infection, epithelial alterations that impaired clearance mechanisms, and immunologic dysfunction is likely to contribute to the inability of rabbits given MV to survive their gram-negative infection.

Diseases of squirrels in Britain

AbstractForty Red (Sciurus vulgaris) and thirty‐five Grey squirrels (S. carolinensis) have been subjected to full post‐mortem examinations since 1967. The results, together with other reports of disease in Britain affecting free‐living squirrels, are discussed. There appears to be a higher incidence of disease in Reds than in Greys.Parapoxvirus infection, which closely resembles contagious pustular dermatitis or orf of sheep, appears to be common in Reds in Norfolk, but does not appear to occur in Grey squirrels. Coccidiosis (Eimeria sciurorum infection) is common in Reds. Both species of squirrels frequently harbour Eimeria spp. parasites in the intestinal tract. Other protozoa that occur include haemogregarines (probably Hepatozoon sp.) and Toxoplasma. Helminths are relatively uncommon, but Enterobius spp. were found in the gut of Reds. Both species of squirrels are commonly infested with fleas, mainly Monopsyllus sciurorum in Reds and Orchopeas howardi in Greys. Lice, especially Neohaematopinus sciuri, and ticks (Ixodes ricinus) also occur in both species.In spite of reports to the contrary, there is no proof that either species of squirrels contract mange caused by Sarcoptes mites. It is likely that alopecia due to ectoparasitism in both species and parapoxvirus infection in Reds have been mistaken for mange. Fungal and bacterial infections appear to be unusual, although Pasteurella multocida infection was diagnosed in a Red and Yersinia enterocolitica in a Grey squirrel.

Pasteurella multocida infection of cats on poultry farms.

Eight cats on six poultry farms, four of which had a history of recent turkey pasteurellosis were examined for Pasteurella multocida infection. Nine strains were recovered and serotyped and of these five were tested for virulence in chickens and mice. By comparison with a strain from a field outbreak in turkeys three cat strains were considered capable of causing poultry disease. These findings are discussed epidemiologically.

A unique outbreak of Pasteurella multocida in a chronic disease hospital.

An outbreak of Pasteurella multocida infection, involving seven patients on two adjacent wards, has been observed. All seven patients were debilitated and had underlying chronic neuromuscular and/or pulmonary disease and had a tracheostomy tube in situ. The isolates of P. multocida were of the same biotype and serotype, and had an identical antibiogram. Epidemiological studies failed to determine the source of these infections.

Pathology of Experimental Avian Cholera in Mallard Ducks

Mallard ducks (Anus platyrynchos) challenged with two isolates of Pasteurella multocida developed either acute or chronic lesions, depending on the isolate of P. multocida and the inoculation dose. Ducks that died acutely of avian cholera had lesions of a hemorrhagic septicemia with widespread vascular damage and focal necrosis in liver, spleen and other organs. Ducks that survived challenge developed chronic lesions in a variety of organs, including brain, lung, air sacs, joints, and eyes. Some surviving ducks sequestered bacteria within these loalized lesions and may be potential "carrier" birds. The possible pathogenesis of P. multocida infection in ducks is discussed.

The 1978 Epornitic of Avian Cholera on the Chesapeake Bay

In an outbreak of avian cholera (Pasteurella multocida infection) in wildfowl on and around Chesapeake Bay during March and April of 1978, 31,295 carcasses were retrieved from Maryland and Virginia. Although other birds were involved, mortality was heavy among diving ducks (90% of the total), especially oldsquaw ducks (80% of the total). This is the second outbreak involving primarily diving ducks to be reported from this area of the Atlantic Flyway. It mimics in many respects the epornitic that occurred in 1970. Although mortality was heavy then, this occurrence appears much more severe and could be the largest recorded outbreak of avian cholera in North America.

Antibiotic susceptibilities of human isolates of Pasteurella multocida.

Seventeen human strains of Pasteurella multocida, biochemically similar to, if not identical with, isolates of animal origins, were tested for susceptibility to 16 antimicrobial agents utilizing a microtiter broth dilution technique. Ten of these isolates were also tested against 11 antibiotics by disk diffusion. The most active drugs with respect to the median minimal inhibitory concentration (micrograms per milliliter) were tetracycline (0.09), penicillin G (0.78), ampicillin (0.78), carbenicillin (1.56), cephalothin (1.56), and chloramphenicol (1.56). With the exception of tetracycline, the median minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration values were equal or differed by no more than a factor of two. The semisynthetic penicillins clindamycin, erythromycin, and aminoglycosides had relatively low activities, suggesting that these agents would be poor choices for the treatment of P. multocida infections.

Observations on avian pasteurellosis in Britain.

An investigation into the extent and significance of Pasteurella multocida infections of birds and poultry in Britain during a three year period (1974--1977) was undertaken. This was achieved by means of postal questionnaires, coupled with the biochemical and serological examination of bacterial isolates from 91 outbreaks in poultry and from nine cases in other avian species.

Effect of bursectomy and thymectomy on Pasteurella multocida infection in chickens.

The effects of various treatments on the immune response of chickens to vaccine prepared from Pasteurella multocida strain P1059 were investigated. The treatments, given on or before the day of hatching, consisted of surgical bursectomy (SB), hormonal bursectomy (HB), surgical thymectomy (ST) and X-irradiation (X). In chickens subjected to SB, SBX or HB before vaccination, the production of agglutinin and immunoglobulin was impaired, but the production of resistance against challenge was not. In chickens subjected to ST or STX before vaccination, the production of agglutinin and immunoglobulin was unimpaired, but the production of resistance against challenge was diminished. Protection was therefore thymus-dependent.

Pasteurella multocida infection of urinary tract in patient with ileal loop

Pasteurella multocida infection in the ileal loop and in the pelvis of a hydronephrotic kidney of a patient whose other kidney had been removed at age six months was documented by the repeated isolation of this pathogen. Two episodes occurred, the first terminated after a dose of gentamicin and the other without chemotherapy. Since the patient prior to infection was in severe renal failure necessitating hemodialysis, the effect of this infection on renal function could not be ascertained. The probable source was a cat present in the household.

Dictyocaulus Viviparus Infestation in Reindeer in Northern Norway

Lungworms are not often observed in reindeer in Scandinavia. The present report shows that Dictyocaulus viviparus infestation is probably endemic in reindeer in northern Norway. Serious outbreaks occur in reindeer calves, also in combination with Pasteurella multocida infections.

Studies on Pasteurella multocida. III. In Vitro Assay for Cell-Mediated Immunity

Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from turkeys immunized against fowl cholera with a bacterin or a live avirulent vaccine (strain CS-148) were cultured in vitro with various antigenic preparations from Pasteurella multocida (strain P-1059). The degree of lymphocyte stimulation (blastogenesis) was quantitated by measurement of the uptake of (3H) thymidine. Higher stimulation indices were obtained with immune lymphocytes rather than nonimmune lymphocytes. Stimulation was specific since PBL from turkeys immunized against P. multocida failed to react with Escherichia coli or Mycoplasma synoviae antigens. These differences were statistically significant as analyzed with the student's t-test. The lymphocyte transformation assay was emphasized as a convenient and useful in vitro indicator of cell-mediated immunity that should help define the role of cell-mediated immunity in P. multocida infections of turkeys.

Pasteurella multocida infections following animal injuries, especially cat bites

A series of eleven patients had Pasteurella multocida infections following animal injuries, six dog bites, three cat bites, one cat scratch, and one opossum bite. All patients responded slowly but well to appropriate therapy. An extensive literature review revealed P multocida infections to be common, the incidence and recognition of the organism to be increasing, and the infections to be at times severe or even fatal.

Pasteurella multocida Infections Following Animal Injuries, Especially Cat Bites

A series of eleven patients had Pasteurella multocida infections following animal injuries, six dog bites, three cat bites, one cat scratch, and one opossum bite. All patients responded slowly but well to appropriate therapy. An extensive literature review revealed P multocida infections to be common, the incidence and recognition of the organism to be increasing, and the infections to be at times severe or even fatal.

Effect of Aflatoxin on Immunity in Turkeys. II. Reversal of Impaired Resistance to Bacterial Infection by Passive Transfer of Plasma

SUMMARY The manifestation of acquired resistance was impaired in turkey poults vaccinated against Pasteurella multocida infection while receiving a ration containing aflatoxin (0.25 to 0.5 ppm B1 activity). Passive transfer of plasma from immune birds or from normal birds supplemented acquired resistance to a point where the recipients survived challenge exposure; passive transfer of cells from immune birds did not supplement resistance. Ratios of organ weight to body weight and histopathologic appearance demonstrated thymal involution in recipients of aflatoxin.

Avian cholera in cedar waxwings in Ohio.

Avian cholera (Pasteurella multocida infection) was responsible for a localized die-off of cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) at Steubenville, Ohio in late June, 1968.